Body and limb holder



E. J. STOREY BODY AND LIMB HOLDER July 23, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 FiledMay 22, 1962 INVENTOR. EDGAR J. STOREY RNEY I E E I E July 23, 1963 E.J. STOREY BODY AND LIMB HOLDER 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 22, 1962INVENTOR. EDGAR J. STOREY BY E I I EI '7 gdc ATTORNEY July 23, 1963 E.J. STOREY BODY AND LIMB HOLDER 6 Sheets-$heet 3 Filed May 22, 1962INVENTOR. EDGAR J. STOKEY July 23} 1 963 E. J. STOREY 3,098,479

BODY AND LIMB HOLDER Filed May 22, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 59 :EIIE--S-INVENTOR. EDGAR J. STOREY A rTo/eA/E Y July 23, 1963 E. J. STOREY BODYAND LIMB HOLDER 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 22, 1962 v. m E M WT V5 J DAA 6 D E BY t Q/Q ATTORNEY July 23, 1963 E. J. STOREY BODY AND LIMBHOLDER 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed May 22, 1962 INVENTOR. EDGAR J. STOREY BYfizz, Q4 ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,098,479 BODY AND LIMB HOLDEREdgar J. Storey, San Mateo, Calif, assignor to Zimmon & Company, Inc.,Belmont, Calif. Filed May 22, 1962, Ser. No. 196,691 14 Claims. (Cl.128-134) This invention relates to a new and improved body and limbholder. More particularly, the invention relates to an adjustable,belt-type fabric holder which may be placed around a portion of the bodyor of a limb of a patient to control movement of the body or limb to anydesired extent. It will be understood that at certain times duringtreatment, such as in surgery, recovery, emergency, geriatrics,pediatrics and general nursing, such control of a bed patient is ofimportance. Further, the holder may also be used to support the patientsitting up in a bed or chair, or in a wheel chair. The latter functionof the device is particularly useful when the patient is a leg amputee.

An important feature and advantage of this invention is the fact that itmay be used in such manner as to afford exactly the degree of control ofmovement of the patient that is desired, as the condition of the patientWarrants. No other means heretofore used affords this unique feature ofvariability and versatility of control. Different combinations of bodyand limb holder-s may be used, or the holders may be used singly. Theindividual holders may be applied to the body or limbs in differentways, and in different positions. By apply holders in differentcombinations, in different ways and in different positions, infiniteversatility of holding or retraint of the patient is achieved.

For example, a single body holder may be attached to the patient at thechest, stomach or knees, as typical examples. Or one holder may beapplied to one or more limbs either independently or in combination withone or more body holders. Further, the body holder when placed in oneposition achieves greater restraint than when placed in 1an oppositeposition, as hereinafter explained in detai One of the features of theinvention is the construction thereof, whereby the principal material ofconstruction is canton cotton flannel which has a soft, comfortablesurface turned toward the body of the patient and a strong backingreinforced by webbing along the margins. Such construction has a numberof advantages. One advantage is that the device will not stretch or giveunder strain in the event that the patient struggles against therestraint of the holder. This is of particular importance, in that if aslight amount of movement is permitted the amplitude of the movementgradually increases, since the greater the distance which the patientcan move the greater the momentum which the the patients straining canbuild up. Thus, applicants holder has unusual strength without use ofleather or heavy Webbing used in construction of prior devices.

Another advantage of the invention is the fact that the construction issuch that in certain positions of use the more the patient pulls againstthe holder the tighter it grips him. This feature, however, is attainedwithout the use of leather straps, buckles, and the like, used inconventional holders. Such fastening means used in prior holders haveundesirable effects, in that they tend to break during laundering and,further, their presence on the device imparts to the patient a feelingof confinement or restraint which is not desirable.

Another important advantage of the foregoing construction is the factthat the device is soft and comfortable in appearance and to the touchand hence imparts to the patient a feeling of support rather than ofrestraint which 3,098,479 Patented July 23, 1963 is of importantpsychological advantage. Other devices containing leather straps orbuckles have an obviously frightening effect on the patient. Applicantsdevice, however, has a tendency to lessen the psychological fear ofconfinement.

A further feature of the foregoing construction is adjust-ability withina wide range to the size of the patient.

A particular feature and advantage of the invention is the constructionthereof. A narrow belt, substantially longer than the circumference ofthe body or limb to be held is formed with a transverse slit adjacentone end through which the opposite end is inserted, so that the holderforms a loop and when the ends of the holder are pulled in oppositedirections, it tightens around the body or limb. To prevent the strainimparted by the patient from tearing the device at the slit theconstruction of the margin of the slit is of particular importance, ashereinafter described in detail. Webbing reinforces the margins of theholders to keep the fabric from stretching, extensions of the webbingproviding ties to secure the holder to a bed rail or other suitablesupport.

Another feature of the invention is the fact that being constructedessentially of a single thickness of material which has a soft surfaceon one side and yet has great strength, improves the laundering andsterilizability of the device. Thus, since the main portion of theholder is constructed of a single layer of cloth, the tendency ofmultiple layers to separate during laundering and to shrink at diiferentrates is eliminated. Further, the absence of any metal, leather, orplastic parts which may interfere with laundering and sterilizing, orrust or bend, is a particular advantage in hospital use.

Another advantage of the invention is the fact that the tapes of webbingat either end of the holder may be formed in knots as required, but suchknots may be untied with the fingers without undue effort or consumptionof time due to the construction of the webbing used. Thus, the Webbingmay be knotted to the rails of the bed or to an overhead support used tosuspend a lmrb above the bed. All these operations and the untieing ofthat knots are facilitated by the construction hereinafter described.

Still another advantage of the invention is the absence of chance ofmechanical failure of buckles, cl-asps and similar devices.

A particular feature and advantage of the invention is the versatilityof use of the holder. Thus, considering the body holder, if used in onedirection (i.e., opening at the top), tieing the webbing to thebed-frame pre vents the patient from raising or from moving either toleft or right and hence, for practical purposes, holds the patientimmobilized. Thus, the holder is superior even to safety rails whichpatients sometimes climb over while under drugs or other medication.This use of the device immobilizes the patient for practical effect.However, by allowing slack in the strap more mobility may be afforded,but still the patient is held in such manner as not to injure himself.On the other hand, if the device is turned backward (i.e., opening atthe bottom), the patient may rotate or even sit up but still is held sothat there is a definite limit of movement and any danger of fallingfrom bed is eliminated. Any pressure from the patient leaning againstthe holder pulls against the holder and holds the patient in place. Inthe latter position, the holder functions as a safety (device ratherthan a restraining device. The patient may roll to reach a glass ofliquid and sit up to drink it, but, as he sits, the holder tightens tohold him securely.

Alternatively, the body of the patient may be held on the side, whichprevents the patient from rolling onto the back or chest in the eventthat there are post-operative incisions, drainage, or other tubes, orthe like, at such locations.

If the device is so applied as to hold the patient in a sittingposition, the holder has a further advantage of not tending to dropdownwand out of position and yet to permit relative freedom of movementwhile in sitting position. This is due to the fact that the holder gripsthe patient with only the required degree of tightness. Thus, the holdermay be used to prevent a patient from falling out of a wheel chair,providing the necessary support without interfering with limited normalmovement of the patient. This feature is, as has been mentioned, ofparticular advantage where the patient is a leg amputee.

Directing attention now to the limb holder, such device accommodateswide variations in dimensions of the limb of the patient. A particularadvantage of the invention is the fact that application of the holderdoes not cut off circulation of blood in the limb. Nevertheless, theholder may be 'tied in place with a knot so that suspending the limb bymeans of the webbing does not cause tightening of the holder about thelimb.

Accordingly, the invention may be used to hold a limb immobilized ormerely to suspend the limb from an overhead support.

Sets of body holders and of limb holders may be used in combination asexplained later in this specification and, as thus used, achieve greateror less control of movement of the patient or of different portions ofthe patient. The body holders and limb holders cooperate to controlmovement in any degree from complete immobilization to limitation ofmovement within a certain amplitude of only one limb.

A further optional feature of the invention is the provision of a simplejacket which fits over the head of the patient and has straps under thearms, thus preventing relative movement of the patient and jacket. Thejacket has four loops, preferably at the front and back lower corners. Abody holder of the type heretofore described is passed through the loopsand then secured to the bed rails. The combined jacket and holder thusholds the patient effectively.

The jacket may also be worn by a wheelchair patient and the holder usedto support the patient in the chair.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon readingthe following specification and referring to the accompanying drawingsin which similar characters of reference represent corresponding partsin each of the several views.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a body holder, the ends of the webbingbroken away;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the reverse of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded view :of the fabric portions from whichthe holder is constructed, one portion thereof being broken away;

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the manner in which the tape applied tothe margin of the slit in a holder is folded;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 2, of a limb holder;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 3 of a limb holder;

FIG. 7 is an exploded schematic view, showing the fabric portions from.which the limb holder is constructed, and the webbing which is appliedto the margins of the holder;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing two body holders andthree limb holders applied in diiferent manner, such applications beingillustrative of some of the uses of the device.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing the device used torestrain a patient lying on the side;

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing two limb holders used toimmobilize an arm for intravenous injection;

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing one body holder and onelimb holder supporting a patient in a wheel chair;

FIG. 12 is a rear view of a portion of the structure of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a jacket over theshoulder of a patient and a body holder attached thereto;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the jacket shown in FIG. 13; and

FIG. 15 is a [front elevation of the jacket.

A feature of the invention is the versatility of the holder. In thespecification which follows there is first described a body holder shownin detail in FIGS. 1 to 4, and a limb holder shown in FIGS. 5 to 7. Someof the numerous uses :of the holder are shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, the bodyholder alone being used in some instances, the limb holder alone inother instances, but in many instances body and limb holders being usedin combination.

Turning now to the construction of body holder 11, as shown in FIGS. 1to 4, inclusive, the holder comprises two fabric portions, namely, amajor fabric portions 14 and a minor fabric portion 16 assembledadjacent each other with a slit 17 separating the abutting edges. Asbest shown in FIG. 3, major portion 14 is formed of a truncated longtapering piece of material provided with narrow side and short end hems18, 18, 1 9 along each edge. Hem 21 at the wider end has corners 22 cutout to eliminate overlapping when the hems are folded back. Minorportion 16 is of truncated triangular shape and is also provided withnarrow side and short end hems 23, 23, 24 along the edges. Hem 26 at thewider end has corners 27 cut away. The major and minor fabric portions14, 16 are preferably made of can-ton cotton flannel, a material whichhas a soft flannel-like surface on the reverse side (i.e., the sideshown in FIG. 2), whereas on its front side (i.e., the side shown inFIG. 1) the fabric is plain. A feature of the material is the fact thatit will not readily stretch and yet its flannel side is comfortable whenapplied to the body of the patient. A reinforcing piece 28 [of cottonwebbing, illustrated in FIG. 4, is applied around the slit opening -17between the major and minor fabric portions to reinforce the edges ofslit 17 so that they do not split or stretch. The first or longitudinalstretch 29 of webbing is cut off at the first corner 31 and extendsfnorn that corner to the opposite edge of the belt. At the opposite edgethe webbing is folded under at a 45 angle at corner 32 and has a short,triangularshaped transverse stretch 133 which is folded back at a 45angle at third corner 34 in a second longitudinal stretch 36. Stretches29 and 36 are parallel but spaced apart a short distance, such asapproximately /s-inch, which is the width of slit 17. At the beginningend of reinforcement 28 the corner 37 webbing is folded at a 45 angleand provides a short triangular transverse stretch 38 which passes underthe end of stretch 29, likewise being cut at an angle at first corner31. Webbing reinfiorcement 28 is stitched to the front side of theholder by stitching 39 and covers hems 21 and 26 which have been foldedback on portions 14 and 26, respectively. Stitching 41 interconnectsportions 14 and 16 along either edge, but does not restrict the fullslit length between stretches 33 and 38. The transverse short stretch 33, 38 define or limit the length of slit 17 and the long parallelstretches 29, 36 define the width of the slit. By reason of the factthat the webbing is relatively stiff, deformation or stretching aroundslit 17 is prevented.

A pair of webbing tapes 46, 47 are used in body holder 11. First tape 46has an extended length at the slit end 49 which serves as tie 49 andcrosses over tape 47 at truncated end 48 of the minor fabric portion.First tape '48 extends along and is stitched by stitching 51 to onemargin of minor portion 16 covering the concealed hem 23 and thenceacross one end of webbing reinforcement 28 and continues along one edgeof major fabric portion 14 to end 52 opposite end 48 where it againcrosses over second tape 47. From end 52 webbing extends in tail 53 foran extended length. Second tape 47 is similar in application to thefirst tape, as is best shown in FIG. 1, and similar elements thereof aredesignated by the same reference numeral, followed by subscript a. Ties49, 49a diverge at an angle of about 45 as do ties 53, 53a. Transversestitches 54 and '56 are applied at ends 48 and 52.

In use, holder 11 may be used in either of the manners shown in FIG. 8,as well as in other manners, some of which have heretofore beenexplained. Turning attention to the thorax position of FIG. 8, the majorportion 14 of holder 11A is placed under the back of the patient andbrought around to the front, passing under minor portion 16. The narrowouter end 52 of major portion 14 is passed through slit 17 inreinforcement 28 and overlaps portion 114. Ends 52, 48 of major andminor portions .14, 16 are pulled apart until holder 11A engages thebody of the patient with sufficient tightness to accomplish the desireddegree of control. The four ties 49, 49a, 53, 53a of the webbing aretied to rails 57 of the bed in knots 5'9. Holder 11A pulls the body ofthe patient down against mattress 58 and ties 44, 49a, 53, 53astretching apart prevents movement upward or downward relative to thebed. Hence, the thorax of the patient is, for practical purposes,immobilized.

In the manner of application of holder 11B to the abdomen as shown inFIG. 8, major portion 14- is placed across the front of the body and onthe underside (not shown) the narrow end of the major portion isinserted through the slit in the holder and ends 48, 52 drawn apart,tapes 49, 49a, 53, 53a likewise being tied to rails 57 of the bed. Thismanner of application, were it not for the other holders shown in FIG.8, would permit the patient to turn on his left or right side with theslit through which the major and minor portions of the holder intersectserving as a pivot, but would prevent the patient from moving off thebed in either direction, or moving lengthwise of the bed.

It will be understood that the two illustrated manners of application ofthe body holder are not intended as the sole manner of use.

Directing attention to the limb holder 12, shown in detail in FIGS. 5 to7, holder 12 is proportioned similarly to the body holder but is ofsmaller size and somewhat different construction. Different size limbholders may be provided, one for the ankle and a smaller holder for thewrist, as required.

As shown in FIG. 7, major and minor fabric portions 61, 62, which aremade of material similar to the body holder fabric portions 14 and 16,comprise a triangular minor portion 62 truncated at end 65 having at itsbase provision for a double hem 63 and also having provision along eachside edge and the outer end for single hems 64, 64, 66. The major fabricportion 61 is a long tapering member truncated at one end 67, havingprovision at its base for a double hem 68 and having provision alongeach side edge and the truncated end for single hems 69, 69, '71. In theassembly of the device no tape reinforcement, similar to reinforcement28 shown in FIG. 4, need be employed because the forces applied areusually less. The abutting edges of the major and minor portions 61, 62are folded over and double hemmed by stitching 73 and spaced apart toprovide slit 72. Stitches 74 interconnect portions 61, 62 adjacent theopposite edges, but do not restrict the width of slit 72. i

A single piece 76 of webbing serves as a tie at the mmor portion 62 ofthe limb holder, its inner end being tacked to the truncated end 65 ofminor portion 62. Second piece 77 of webbing is of greater length thanthe first. At end 67, webbing end 78 is attached to major fabric portion61 and extends along the edge thereof crossing over slit 72 and definingthe upper end thereof. Webbing 77 then con tinues along the upper edgeof minor portion 62 to trun- 6 cated end 65. At end '65, webbing 77 isfolded over in fold 79 so that it assumes an angle of approximately andthe crossed over portion 81 is positioned on top of the end of firstwebbing 76. Second webbing 77 then continues in stretch 81 along thebottom edge of minor fabric portion 62 and bridges over and defines thelower end of slit 72 between the two portions 61, 62. From this juncturethe tape continues along the bottom edge of major portion 61 crossingover on top of the initial end 78 of the second webbing and then extendsout to the desired length beyond end 67 in tie 82.

In use, tie '82 and outer end 67 of major portion 61 are slipped throughslit 72, the flannel side of the holder being next to the skin of thepatient. The ends 65, 67 of holder 12 are pulled apart until the holdertightens around the limb with the desired degree of firmness. Where itis desired to immobilize the limb, as is the case with holder 12A on theright angle in FIG. 8, ties 76 and 82 are in knot 83 over slit 72. Onetie 76 is tied to rail 57 in knot 84. The opposite tie 82 may be tied tothe opposite bed rail or, as shown in FIG. 8, tie 82 is tied with knot86 to tie 76 of another limb holder on the left angle. In the case ofthe left arm, ties 76, 82 of holder 12c are tied in knot '83 and arethen tied by knot 87 to overhead support 13.

The body holders 11A and 11B are used in two different positions, asshown in FIG. 8, for two different purposes, all as has heretofore beenexplained. It will be understood that in normal usage two oppositelydisposed holders would not be used simultaneously. FIG. 8 also shows theuse of body and limb holders cooperatively. Thus, limb holders 12A, 120tied together effectively immobilize the legs and prevent the patientfrom moving his body toward the head or foot of the bed to slip out ofone of body holders.

FIG. 9 shows a further use of the body holder 11C for use on a patientwith an incision on chest or back. Apply ing holder 11C over theuppermost side of the patient with slit 17 on top and tying tapes 4949aand 5353a to opposite rails prevents the patient from rolling eitheronto his chest or back. Thus, damage to the patient is avoided, afeature of considerable importance when drainage tubes are installed inthe incision or where the incision has not healed. One or more limbholders 12 (not shown in FIG. 9) are preferably used with the holder 11Cin this position of use to prevent the patient from moving in suchmanner as to escape from the restraint.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate use of body holder 11D to hold a patient in awheel chair. The minor portion 14 passes out through slit 17 across thechest of the patient seated on seat 91. The tapes are passed around inback of backrest 92 being spread apart. Tapes 49, 53a are tied togetherin knot 93- at the back of the chair and tapes 49a, 53 are similarlytied in knot 94. The holder thus prevents the patient from fallingforward out of the chair. As the patient bends forward his weight pullsthe ends of the holder apart and tightens the holder around the patient.The tightening sensation affords a feeling of security. The spreadingapart of the tapes 49, 49a in divergent directions and 53, 53a insimilar divergent directions prevents the patient from sliding down back92 and thence off seat 91. The latter restraint may be augmented bytieing one or more limb holders 12D applied to an angle, to leg support96. The holder 11D permits a certain amount of freedom of movement ofthe patient, thus allowing the body to be moved suficiently to preventfatigue.

Use of limb holders 12A, 12C tied together, as shown in FIG. 8,effectively immobilizes both legs. Arms may be similarly immobilized.However, tieing one limb to one side of the bed only permits mobility ofthe limb. Thus, the left hand of the patient in FIG. 8 may be used tolift a glass from the bedside stand and lift to the lips, but not toreach and untie knots securing the body holder tapes to the bedrails.

FIG. 10 shows use of two limb holders 12E, 12F used in conjunction withan armboard 98 for intravenous injection. The major portion 61 passesacross the patients arm away from the viewer in FIG. 10; under thearmboard 98 and across the underside thereof, thence under minor portion62 and out through slit 72. Tape '76 is passed under board 98 and aroundthe other side and tied in knot 99 to the tape 82. Tapes 76 and 82 arethen tied to opposite bedrails 57. Similarly, holder 12F is used tosecure the upper arm to board 98. It will thus be seen that the patientsarm is secured to board 98 and the arm is also effectively immobilizedduring injection.

Directing attention to FIGS. 13 to 15, an auxiliary jacket 101 for usein conjunction with body holder 11 is shown. Jacket 101 is slipped overthe head of the patient and has straps 102 fitting under the arms. Hencerelative movement of the patient and jacket 101 is minimal. Loops 103are provided at the four bottom corners of the jacket. Holder 11 fitsthrough the four loops 103 and is applied in the same manner as holder11A in FIG. 8. Thus holder 11 prevents the patient from lifting himselffrom the bed and, further, prevents movement of the jacketlongitudinally of the bed. Since, as has been stated, the patientcannot, for practical purposes, move relative to the jacket, an evenmore effective immobilization of the patient results.

As an alternative, with the jacket applied as in FIG. 13, holder 11 maybe reversed, i.e., slit positioned underneath the patient as is holder111B in FIG. 8, greater mobility of the patient is achieved. Thus thepatient may roll from side to side of the bed, but movementlongitudinally of the bed is restricted.

Jacket 11 has a body 106 preferably consisting of a single piece ofcanvas material, wider at either bottom edge 107 and narrowing towardthe center or shoulder portions 108. A circular opening "109 is formedat the center for the neck of the patient. The side edges 111 and bottomedges 107 and also the neck opening 109 are formed with narrow hems 112,113, 114, respectively.

On-either side is an elongated piece of webbing which forms front andback loops 103 and strap 102. Thus the webbing commences on the front ofthe jacket at a point 116 about one-third the distance from the bottomedge 107 and etxends down along the front of the jacket to a point 117slightly below the bottom edge 107, whereupon the webbing loops back tothe point 116 of beginning and is folded at right angles. Stitches 118secure the webbingto the jacket. The length of loops 1103 is sufiicientto accomomdate the width of holder 11. From point 116 the webbingextends to the back of the body 106 in a stretch which comprises strap102. Strap 102 has a length such that the arm of the patient may beslipped bet-ween strap 10 2 and shoulder portion v108. On the back ofthe jacket a rear loop 103 is formed which is the reverse of front loop103. The left-hand and right-hand webbings are substantially similar.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail, byWay of illustration and example for purposes of clarity andunderstanding, it is understood that certain changes and modificationsmay be practiced within the spirit of the invention and scope of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A holder of the character described comprising a major fabric portionhaving an elongated, narrow tapered shape with substantially straighttop and bottom edges converging outwardly, and an inner tranverse edge,a minor fabric portion having a triangular shape, the base of saidtriangular shape being of substantially the same length as saidtransverse edge of said major fabric portion,.said base andinner'transverse edge being positioned in proximity to each other andspaced apart to define the side edges of a transversely extending slit,the sides of said minor fabric portion converging in the oppositedirection from the top and bottom edges of said major fabric portion,first webreinforcing extending continuously along one face of one edgeof said major fabric portion and the contiguous side of said minorfabric portion, second web reinforcing extending continuously on thesame face of said major fabric portion as said first reinforcing andalong the opposite edge of said major fabric portion and contiguous sideof said minor portion, said web reinforcings extending across anddefining the ends of said slit, and elongated webbing ties extending outbeyond the outer ends of said major and minor fabric portions, thelength of said major fabric portion being substantially greater than thelength of said minor fabric portion, the base of said minor fabricportion and inner transverse edge being hemmed and reinforced tomaintain straight margins for said slit.

2. A holder according to claim 1, in which said first webbingreinforcing extends outwardly beyond both ends of said holder andcomprises webbing ties and said second webbing reinforcing extendsoutwardly beyond both ends of said holder and comprises webbing ties,said first and second webbing crossing over at each end of said holderand said ties at each end diverging outwardly.

3. A holder according to claim 1, in which said first webbingreinforcing extends along said one edge of said major and minor bodyportions and is folded back upon itself at a first end of said holderand then comprises said second webbing reinforcing along the oppositeedge of said major and minor body portions, an extension of said webbingreinforcement at a second end of said holder opposite said first endcomprising one said webbing tie, and a separate piece of webbing beingtacked to said webbing reinforcing at said first end and comprisinganother of said webbing ties.

4. A holder according to claim 1, Which further comprises slitreinforcing means fixed to said holder around both sides and both endsof said slit.

5. A holder according to claim 1, which further comprises slitreinforcing webbing stitched to said major and minor body portions,extending along one edge margin of said slit, across one end of saidslit, back along the other edge margin of said slit and back across theopposite end of said slit.

6. A holder according to claim 5, in which the four corners of said slitreinforcing webbing are folded at approximately 45 angles.

7. In combination, a holder according to claim 1 and a jacket havingfront and back formed with a neck opening, means interconnecting saidfront and back positioned to fit under the arms of the wearer and fourloops in the corners of said front and back, said holder passing throughall of said loops.

8. The use of the combination of claim 7, comprising positioning saidjacket on a patient with the patients head through said neck opening andsaid means under the arms of the patient, positioning said holder withthe major portion around the back of said jacket and through the twosaid loops on the back of the jacket, drawing the major portion aroundeither side of the patient and up through the two said loops on thefront of the jacket, passing the outer end of said major portion undersaid minor portion and out through said slit, and tying said webbingties of said major and minor portions to opposite sides of the bed,whereby the patient is held against upward movement relative to the bed,against turning movement from side to side and against movementlaterally and longitudinally of the bed.

9. The use of a holder according to claim 1, on a patient lying in a bedcomprising positioning said holder with said major portion under thebody of the patient and said slit uppermost, passing the outer end ofsaid major portion under said minor portion and out through said slit,tying the webbing ties of said major and minor portions to oppositesides of said bed, whereby said patient is held against upward movementrelative to said bed, positioning a second said holder around a firstankle of the patient,

passing the major portion of said second holder under the minor portionthereof and out through the slit of said second holder, knotting thewebbing ties of said second holder together adjacent said slit thereof,tying one said last-named tie to the side of the bed nearest said firstankle, positioning a third said holder around the second ankle of thepatient, passing the major portion of said third holder under the minorportion thereof and out through the slit of said third holder, knottingthe webbing ties of said third holder together adjacent said slitthereof, tying one said last named tie to the side of the bed nearestsaid second ankle and tying together the second ties of said second andthird holders, whereby each leg of the patient is held both laterallyand longitudinally of the bed.

10. The use of a holder according to claim 1 on a patient in a bedcomprising passing the major portion of said holder around a limb of thepatient, passing the outer end of said major portion under said minorportion and out through said slit, tying said webbing ties together in aknot adjacent said slit, and tying the outer ends of said webbing tiesto an overhead support to suspend the limb of the patient.

11. The use of a holder according to claim 1 on a patient in a bedcomprising passing the major portion of said holder around a limb of thepatient, passing the outer end of said major portion under said minorportion and out through said slit, tying said webbing ties together in aknot adjacent said slit, and tying one of said webbing ties to one sideof the bed and the other said webbing tie to the other side of the bedto hold said limb against lateral movement relative to the bed.

12. The use on a patient lying in a bed of a holder of the type having amajor fabric portion having an elongated, narrow tapered shape withoutwardly converging top and bottom edges and a transverse inner edge, aminor fabric portion having a triangular shape, the base of saidtriangular shape being of substantially the same length as saidtransverse inner edge of said major fabric portion, said base and saidinner transverse edge being in proximity to each other and spaced apartto define the side edges of a transversely extending slit, the sides ofthe minor portion converging in the opposite direction from the top andbottom edges of said major fabric portion, means joining said major andminor portions together at the ends of said slit, and webbing tiesextending out beyond the outer ends of said major and minor portions,the length of said major portion being substantially greater than thelength of said minor portion, said use comprising positioning saidholder with said major portion under the body of the patient and saidslit uppermost, passing the outer end of said major portion under saidminor portion and out through said slit, tying the webbing ties of saidmajor and minor portions to opposite sides of said bed, whereby saidpatient is held against upward movement relative to said bed,positioning a second said holder around a first ankle of the patient,passing the major portion of said second holder under the minor portionthereof and out through the slit of said second holder, knotting thewebbing ties of said second holder together adjacent said slit thereof,tying one said lastnamed tie to the side of the bed nearest said firstankle, positioning a third said holder around the second ankle of thepatient, passing the major portion of said third holder under the minorportion thereof and out through the slit of said third holder, knottingthe webbing ties of said third 10 holder together adjacent said slitthereof, tying one said last named tie to the side of the bed nearestsaid second ankle and tying together the second ties of said second andthird holders, whereby each leg of the patient is held both laterallyand longitudinally of the bed.

13. The use on a patient lying in a bed of a holder of the type having amajor fabric portion having an elongated, narrow tapered shape withoutwardly converging top and bottom edges and a transverse inner edge, aminor fabric portion having a triangular shape, the base of saidtriangular shape being of substantially the same length as saidtransverse inner edge of said major fabric portion, said base and saidinner transverse edge being in proximity to each other and spaced apartto define the side edges of a transversely extending slit, the sides ofthe minor portion converging in the opposite direction from the top andbottom edges of said major fabric portion, means joining said major andminor portions together at the ends of said slit, and webbing tiesextending out beyond the outer ends of said major and minor portions,the length of said major portion being substantially greater than thelength of said minor portion, said use comprising passing the majorportion of said holder around a limb of the patient, passing the outerend of said major portion under said minor portion and out through saidslit, tying said webbing ties together in a knot adjacent said slit, andtying the outer ends of said webbing ties to an overhead support tosuspend the limb of the patient.

14. The use on a patient lying in a bed of a holder of the type having amajor fabric portion having an elongated, narrow tapered shape withoutwardly converging top and bottom edges and a transverse inner edge, aminor fabric portion having a triangular shape, the base of saidtriangular shape being of substantially the same length as saidtransverse inner edge of said major fabric portion, said base and saidinner transverse edge being in proximity to each other and spaced apartto define the side edges of a transversely extending slit, the sides ofthe minor portion converging in the opposite direction from the top andbottom edges of said major fabric portion, means joining said major andminor portions together at the ends of said slit, and webbing tiesextending out beyond the outer ends of said major and minor portions,the length of said major portion being substantially greater than thelength of said minor portion, said ruse comprising passing the majorportion of said holder around a limb of the patient, passing the outerend of said major portion under said minor portion and out through saidslit, tying said webbing ties together in a knot adjacent said slit, andtying one of said webbing ties to one side of the bed and the other saidwebbing tie to the other side of the bed to hold said limb againstlateral movement relative to the bed.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS853,025 McCalrnont May 7, 1907 1,048,750 Smith Dec. 31, 1912 1,877,704Switlik Sept. 13, 1932 1,923,809 Bates Aug. 22, 1933 2,429,283 Veyt Oct.21, 1947 2,851,033 Posey Sept. 9, 1958 2,868,194 Lee Jan. 13, 1959

1. A HOLDER OF THE CHARACTER DESCRIBED COMPRISING A MAJOR FABRIC PORTIONHAVING AN ELONGATED, NARROW TAPERED SHAPE WITH SUBSTANTIALLY STRAIGHTTOP AND BOTTOM EDGES CONVERGING OUTWARDLY, AND AN INNER TRANSVERSE EDGE,A MINOR FABRIC PORTION HAVING A TRIANGULAR SHAPE, THE BASE OF SAIDTRIANGULAR SHAPE BEING SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME LENGTH AS SAID TRANSVERSEEDGE OF SAID MAJOR FABRIC PORTION, SAID BASE AND INNER TRANSVERSE EDGEBEING POSITIONED IN PROXIMITY TO EACH OTHER AND SPACED APART TO DEFINETHE SIDE EDGES OF A TRANSVERSELY EXTENDING SLIT, THE SIDES OF SAID MINORFABRIC PORTION CONVERGING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION FROM THE TOP ANDBOTTOM EDGES OF SAID MAJOR FABRIC PORTION, FIRST WEB REINFORCINGEXTENDING CONTINUOUSLY ALONG ONE FACE OF ONE EDGE OF SAID MAJOR FABRICPORTION AND THE CONTIGUOUS SIDE OF SAID MINOR FABRIC PORTION, SECOND WEBREINFORCING EXTENDING CONTINUOUSLY ON THE SAME FACE OF SAID MAJOR FABRICPORTION AS SAID FIRST REINFORCING AND ALONG THE OPPOSITE EDGE OF SAIDMAJOR FABRIC PORTION AND CONTIGUOUS SIDE OF SAID MINOR PORTION, SAID WEBREINFORCINGS EXTENDING ACROSS AND DEFINING THE ENDS SAID SLIT, ANDELONGATED WEBBING TIES EXTENDING OUT BEYOND THE OUTER ENDS OF SAID MAJORAND MINOR FABRIC PORTIONS, THE LENGTH OF SAID MAJOR FABRIC PORTION BEINGSUBSTANTIALLY GREATER THAN THE LENGTH OF SAID MINOR FABRIC PORTION, THEBASE OF SAID MINOR FABRIC PORTION AND INNER TRANSVERSE EDGE BEING HEMMEDAND REINFORCED TO MAINTAIN STRAIGHT MARGINS FOR SAID SLIT.